If I had to choose a favorite neckline it would have to be the boatneck. It’s just so feminine and classic, and looks good on almost anyone. I’ve sewn a boatneck for myself, for Clara, for the dolls, and this weekend I sewed two for Lucy!Specifically, I tried out the new pdf pattern by Wee Muses (from Aesthetic Nest) called: The Bateau Neck Top! And today I’m joining her pattern tour and sharing my creations. Okay. I LOVE this pattern. Anneliese did such a wonderful job with it. It’s easy to follow, easy to sew, easy to add your own twists. It’s simplicity is what makes it brilliant. It’s just—-lovely and cute. And it works for many seasons. Whether you’re headed back to school or still hanging on to summer, there’s a bateau waiting for you to sew. Seriously. This is one of those “under-an-hour” projects. You gotta try it. And if you’ve never sewn with knits, this is a great place to start. (Read more about Sewing with Knits HERE.) First I made a basic top. It’s hard to tell in the photos but the fabric is a soft interlock knit (from Joanns) sprinkled with silver specks. My instinct was to leave it plain, since sparkles are an accessory in themselves. But it really needed a little something more—maybe a bite of polka dots? Lucy approved. How many treasures will fit in 2 x 2 inches? This basic top came together very quickly, since the neckline is simply ironed under and sewn! Even faster than the casing I used on Clara’s. And the sleeveless version beats them all. Super quick. The tank top was Lucy’s idea. We tried on the green shirt before the sleeves were sewn-on and she asked, ooooh, is this a tank top?? That’s really cute. You’re right, we should make it a tank. And…we should probably add a bow. A big oversized shoulder bow.

“Mom! I look just like Lexi!” Yes, yes. I can’t get away from the bow! And don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about making doll patterns. I’ve just put it on the back burner since so many of you showed interest in the First Day Dress….which is currently in the works.

The sleeveless version is not part of the Bateau Neck pattern instructions but it’s pretty self-explanatory….you just iron the armholes under and sew them in place like you do at the neckline. My recommendation is to iron and sew them in place before sewing the side seams. This makes it easier all around. Then add a big floppy accessory and you’re set. If you’ve never made a bow I’ve got a simple tutorial HERE. For this version I used knit fabric. And the key to the shoulder bow is placement on the shirt. Don’t sew it right ON to the shoulder, but handsew it slightly below the shoulder, so it drapes more over the front of the shirt than the back. And just like that we’ve got more school clothes. Yay! I love finding patterns and clothes that are a bit more grown-up but still appropriate and playful for kids—-so that they still look like kids. Okay, want to try out the Bateau Neck Top Pattern?? Today we’re giving away TWO copies!

GIVEAWAY RULES: • Leave a comment, that’s it. • Only one entry per person. • Open to anyone! • TWO winner will be picked via random.org • Giveaway ends Friday 9/6/13 at 10pm (Central Time)GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED • Winners will be announced next week

Oh, I would love to try this one out! I tried knits a while back and it didn’t go so well, but this looks like a great pattern to restart with them. My two year old would look adorable in a boat neck! Lucky little ones don’t have to worry about bra straps 🙂

Very cute. I love boat necks, too. Maybe you’re right…. This would be a great way to join the world of knit fabrics. (Oh, and I’m so happy that the 1stday dress pattern is in the works. I’ll be your first customer!)

Super cute! My daughter is starting to outgrow the toddler section of the store, and I HATE most of what I am seeing for little girls. These sweet tops are just lovely, and still appropriate and practical for my girly girl.

I have been watching the “tour” of the pattern, and the sleeveless bow version is my Favorite! I also agree with the boatneck – it is my favorite style for me and my daughter! Keep up the great work! I have sewn one top, about a month ago with knits – I am just a beginner anyways, but loved it! I would love to have this pattern to practice more! 🙂

I have left sewing for the past few years and mainly crocheted and knitted, but as a grandma of 4 and #5 at the end of this month, I need to get back into sewing and this pattern would be GREAT for both the girls and the boys!! Your tutorials are wonderful and step by step. I needed this “budge” to get back into sewing, knowing it doesn’t have to be hard or complicated!! Thank you.

Reason #6651 why I love you: the bateau is my fave neckline, too!! Always so flattering, and shows off the collarbone–both tasteful and classy. Am so getting this pattern–can’t believe how hard it is to find decent clothing for a second-grader. It’s shameful, really, how few things in stores are acceptable, and how few patterns are in their size that don’t look to young but aren’t too old. This will totally fill a gap!

I’ve only recently starting sewing knits because I thought I needed a serger to do it. But it isn’t so bad.. now my daughters has a million shirts and my baby has a billion leggings because of it. Super cute pattern.

Oh yes, boatnecks are definitely my favorite neckline. (Followed shortly by v-neck.) That Lucy sure is a doll! I just wish I had the time to sew as many cute clothes for my kids as you do. They’re so much more special than the store bought stuff…must get on that.

I really like you’re pattern, I have already do a skirt with a pattern from you’re blog for my little sister but this one will be (I hope) the next!!! Even in France you are present ^^ and sorry for the mistakes I made when i’m writting!!!

Love this! My daughter is very particular about tshirts that look too much like “boy shirts”, and wants something feminine. This definitely looks feminine while still being basic and not going over-the-top with frills and ruffles, which just aren’t her thing at all! Just lovely. And I always admire your fabric and color choices so much!!

Hi Dana – I love your stuff, been making lots of my granddaughter’s preschool ootd’s thanks to you! We looked at the pics today and she loved them, laughin g at the one with big glasses. You inspire us!

I was just thinking to myself that I need to stop making myself skirts, because I don’t have enough shirts to go with them. Now, I can make some shirts instead!! Yay! I love the pattern, and I love boat necks!

I have a 7 month old and am looking to a time when I can sew more for her! We just finished an incredibly hard season, had both fathers pass away, had a baby, one mother had a stroke, had to fix up and say goodbye to a childhood home, had to fix up a rental. . . Looking forward to a more restful and productive time! Thanks for all of your ideas! Love your blog!

This looks like a great pattern that I’d love to have! I love making clothes for my three kids, especially because sewing is usually the only way to get cute brother/sister outfits that don’t cost an arm and a leg!

I would LOVE to try this! I was just thinking today that I really need to get sewing some cute clothes for my littlest before she gets not-so-little. This would be great! Thanks for sharing and thanks for the chance! best to you~

OH! I spied this pattern the other day on Aesthetic Nest and I have been searching for the perfect interlock to sew up. It would be my first time sewing a jersey knit, but I am up for the challenge! thanks for sharing your ideas and for the chance to win!

I love what you’ve done with the tank top…we’re heading into Spring so it would be perfect for our current warm weather. I have a terrible fear of knits, regardless of how many tutorials I’ve read and attempts I’ve made to sew with them. This pattern might just help me to conquer my fears!

Omigosh way too cute, Dana. Love both versions! I actually think Delia used that sparkly teal knit to make some leggings for Em when we did that swap! She LOVES the sparkles. The little details you added are perfect, too.

I love the tank top! It would be great with a long sleeved t-shirt under for autumn. I also love getting the “Made” emails they often cheer up a dreary day in the operating theatre, keep up the great work!

I love your website so much! I am only 17 and I have been sewing your bath robe, diaper covers, and your burp clothsfor my first Niece or nephew that is due is October and my sister absolutely loved it! And these look like amazing patterns!

As a stitch a-holic, I have to say this is now one of my favorite websites. My Mother-in-Law found it and I’m so excited about this pattern. I have a 7 yr old who just started second grade.. and on the first day of school we had a major meltdown when a bunch of her clothes no were no longer appropriate for school. I can’t wait to try this with a some old t-shirts and sweat shirts to turn them into new clothes for her. 🙂

I love your easy way of sewing. I can do a little bit of sewing, but have not done any in a long time. Using the dining room table, you always have to be moving the sewing machine and fabric for each meal, and that becomes a nuisance.

I love the shirts, the tank version, and I love that this giveaway hasn’t ended yet. Oh, I also love that you’re making a pattern for the First Day dress because I am a self taught crafter, and I don’t know dress liners…yet.